Greetings — I will be live blogging most plenary sessions of the PC(USA)
General Assembly.  I apologize to those with e-mail feeds or a feed
reader since you will probably only get the first section of the post
since I’ll be adding updates throughout the session.  Also, if you are
reading this on a browser live you will also need to refresh the screen
since I don’t have push technology on my blog.  It’s tough being Web
1.99999 in a Web 2.0 world.  Thanks for your patience.

This is not the only source on the web for this event.
The PC(USA) official webcast can be found at http://www.pcusa.org/ga218/schedule/streaming-schedule.htm
There is also a live blogging site at http://www.scribblelive.com/Event/PCUSA_General_Assembly_218
I have gotten feedback that this second link may cause trouble on some systems and it is being looked into.  Sorry about that

[My commentary will be in brackets]

From this morning’s worship:  The preacher, the Rev. Dan Chun, talked about walking humbly with God.  One of the things he said was the strongest thing his elders could say was “I’m probably right, but I might be wrong.”

Friday Evening, June 27, 2008
The 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Following worship

Today is mostly formalities.  They don’t want any unpredictable business to hold up adjournment

9:32 AM — Meeting reconvened with song and prayer by a YAAD
[Well done, she has gifts and great future.]

9:36 — Bills and Overtures
Minutes for Wednesday approved.  Other minutes and protests will be reviewed later by Committee members.

9:38 — General Assembly Procedures
Final financial implications – New spending 2008 $53,330, 2009 $341,385, 2010 $118,595.
Motion to set per capita at $6.15 for 2009 and 2010 approved on voice vote

9:42 — Mission Coordination and Budget
Final financial implications – Have GAMC make the necessary adjustments in the budget.  Approved on voice vote

9:47 — COLA for the 219th (2010) General Assembly brings greetings and invitation
Entertaining video about the Twin Cities Area.  [Twin Cities are warmer in July than San Jose.  No surprise.  Mark Twain said “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.”]

10:00 — Introduction of General Assembly Council and the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly
Introductions being done

10:05 — Thank you to the Local Arrangements Committee
From a commissioner and a YAAD
From the Office of the General Assembly
Thanks from the COLA Moderator and Vice-moderator and recognition of several individuals and artists

10:15 — Co-Moderators of the YAAD Caucus
Gifts presented to the Moderator of the General Assembly:  A stole signed by all the YAADs, cards to read during travels, and a step-stool signed and saying “To support you and help lift you up.”  Watch and cards for the Vice-moderator, and a pen for the new Stated Clerk.

10:19 — Recognition by Cliff of the platform staff who handle the logistics and behind the scenes stuff.
Recognition of the GA staff including resource people and committee staff.

10:24 — Announcements from the State Clerk

10:25 — Personal word from Cliff.  “Its been a good run.”  Gratitude to all for the experience

10:26 — Final word from Gradye Parsons “The only way that any of us are in the church is because of God’s action.”
And, to Cliff, “Thank you mister Stated Clerk.”  One last standing ovation for Cliff

10:28 — From Bruce “Final words as desired” — Thanks for your support and I look forward to working with all of you the next two years.

10:29 — Closing service of worship

10:45 — The 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is adjourned and is dissolved upon the convening of the 219th General Assembly on July 3, 2010

Thanks for the privilege of sharing this.  I have a bunch of comments I’ll try to get shaped in the next couple of weeks.

 Go in peace.  Amen.